More than 76,000 homes get insulation and clean heat

In only 15 months more than 76,000 households have benefited from the National-led Government's home insulation and energy efficiency programme.

There were 6,742 houses retrofitted in September alone, and the total includes 41,275 houses lived in by people on low incomes.

The National-led Government is investing $347.3 million over four years in the programme - announced in the 2009 Budget - to retrofit 188,000 homes with insulation and clean heating devices such as high-efficiency heat pumps and efficient gas heaters.

Homeowners with houses built before 2000 are eligible for 33 per cent of the cost of installing ceiling and under-floor insulation, to a maximum of $1,300. Once insulation is up to standard, homeowners can get $500 towards a clean, efficient heating system. Several councils and all of the major banks are making it easier to access the scheme by offering payment options through rates bills, or mortgage top-ups.

The scheme is an investment in household energy efficiency and delivers many other benefits. As well as energy efficiency gains, insulating homes reduces health risks caused by living in cold, damp conditions. The scheme has also had a positive economic impact during difficult times.

More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/more+76000+homes+retrofitted+15+months